European Bioinformatics Institute is offering postdoc fellowship in genetics. This fellowship is available for all students around the world. Applicants should apply before December 31, 2015.

Our project focuses on thermogenesis and brown adipose tissue (BAT) related strategies to treat obesity and metabolic complications. This objective will be fulfilled by using a human pluripotent stem cell (hPSCs) based approach. Our research strategy involves the use of human state of the art PSCs differentiated to BAT/WAT precursors, adipocytes and the generation of reporter cell lines for specific markers of BAT/WAT differentation and activation/brownig using CRISPERs technology. These cellular models will be coupled with transcriptomic analysis of human BAT/WAT precursors and mature/activated adipocytes. This strategy will identify new candidate genes/molecules involved in the differentiation and activation of these cells. Other more targeted – omics analysis (e.g. lipidomic analysis/proteomics) will be integrated using bioinformatics approaches. The role of the new players will be assessed specifically by generating loss and/or gain of function hPSC cell lines and assessing their capacity to form functional BAT/WAT and WAT browning. The most successful candidates will be validated in vivo using a transplantation model. Finally, generated reporter cell lines will be used to identify new compounds able to activate BAT / promote WAT browning. These new agents will be validated in vivo mouse models of diet - and genetic-induced obesity.

Benefits

- Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, Group Income Protection, Healthcare scheme, Childcare Vouchers, Nursery and 25 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays.
- We also have a gym, two cafes, a nursery, dining facilities, and a free campus Bus service. Our thriving Sports and Social Club provides many opportunities to meet with people working across the campus.

Application Requirements

- PhD in that includes cell biology, molecular biology or related biological science disciplines.
- Ability to work independently without constant supervision.
- Be self-motivated, creative, and curious and possess excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience with human stem cell and other mammalian primary/immortalised cell line, preferable adipocyte.
- In-depth experience of cell or molecular biology (esp. cloning and/or CRISPR/Cas9 technology) in a eukaryotic system Ideal Skills.
- Previous experience working as part of a team.
- Experience in bioinformatics (transcriptome and other – omics analysis).
- Experience in working with model organisms (i.e mice)